CA2271740A1 - Method for plasma brazing - Google Patents
Method for plasma brazing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2271740A1 CA2271740A1 CA002271740A CA2271740A CA2271740A1 CA 2271740 A1 CA2271740 A1 CA 2271740A1 CA 002271740 A CA002271740 A CA 002271740A CA 2271740 A CA2271740 A CA 2271740A CA 2271740 A1 CA2271740 A1 CA 2271740A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- gas
- plasma
- volume
- plasma flow
- active component
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 41
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 26
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 57
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011135 tin Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052718 tin Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910000906 Bronze Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010953 base metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010974 bronze Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper tin Chemical compound [Cu].[Sn] KUNSUQLRTQLHQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 1
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K1/00—Soldering, e.g. brazing, or unsoldering
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K10/00—Welding or cutting by means of a plasma
- B23K10/02—Plasma welding
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- Arc Welding In General (AREA)
Abstract
A method of brazing, with the use of a plasma forming device (1) having a non-consumable electrode (2), comprises the following steps of operation. A first gas is supplied to said plasma forming device (1). A plasma flow is formed of said first gas by applying a voltage between said electrode (2) and an electrical terminal (7). The plasma flow is directed towards a work piece (7).
Braze material (10) to be melted by said plasma flow is provided. Furthermore, a second gas may be supplied for shielding said plasma flow from the surrounding atmosphere. At least one of said first and second gas comprises a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component.
Braze material (10) to be melted by said plasma flow is provided. Furthermore, a second gas may be supplied for shielding said plasma flow from the surrounding atmosphere. At least one of said first and second gas comprises a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component.
Description
' METHOD FOR PLASMA BRAZING
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
s The present invention refers to a method of brazing with the use of a plasma forming device having a non-consumable electrode according to the precharacterizing portion of claims 1 and 4.
Modern car manufacturing requires the production of joints of cosmetic appearance in areas of the car where visual impact is important. Such areas include the joining of the roof to the side panels, the front and rear panels to the side panels etc. Such parts of the car are made of relatively thin steel plates, which frequently have a thin surface layer of zinc fir the purpose of corrosion 15 protection.
It is known to provide such joints by means of MIG-welding.
However, due to the high temperatures existing during the MlG-welding process, it is difficult to maintain the thin zinc layer. Spatter 2o particles, having a high heat content, may damage the zinc layer.
Due to the high temperatures the zinc layer on the rear face of the steel plate may vaporize and thus disappear. Another disadvantage is that the MIG-weld seam is relatively hard and therefore requires rough grinding to provide a smooth joint. The surface layer is also 2s frequently damaged by such rough grinding. It is also known to hide . such joints by plastic trim. However, for reasons of health and safety) and the fact that modern paint systems for cars require cure temperatures of 180°C or more such plastic covers are not preferred.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
s The present invention refers to a method of brazing with the use of a plasma forming device having a non-consumable electrode according to the precharacterizing portion of claims 1 and 4.
Modern car manufacturing requires the production of joints of cosmetic appearance in areas of the car where visual impact is important. Such areas include the joining of the roof to the side panels, the front and rear panels to the side panels etc. Such parts of the car are made of relatively thin steel plates, which frequently have a thin surface layer of zinc fir the purpose of corrosion 15 protection.
It is known to provide such joints by means of MIG-welding.
However, due to the high temperatures existing during the MlG-welding process, it is difficult to maintain the thin zinc layer. Spatter 2o particles, having a high heat content, may damage the zinc layer.
Due to the high temperatures the zinc layer on the rear face of the steel plate may vaporize and thus disappear. Another disadvantage is that the MIG-weld seam is relatively hard and therefore requires rough grinding to provide a smooth joint. The surface layer is also 2s frequently damaged by such rough grinding. It is also known to hide . such joints by plastic trim. However, for reasons of health and safety) and the fact that modern paint systems for cars require cure temperatures of 180°C or more such plastic covers are not preferred.
2 It is also known to braze such joints using a copper-rich alloy of bronze filler wire. Performed correctly such brazed joints also offer structural enhancement.
Conventional brazing practice in these situations is to use either gas or GMA-brazing techniques. Gas brazing is comparatively stow due to the low temperature of the gas flame. As a consequence of slow brazing speeds, heat input to the joint area is high with a distinct propensity for joint and panel distortion. Furthermore, to activate joint metal and achieve good wetting of the base metal, an aggressive flux is necessary. Moreover, gas brazing causes problems due to the corrosive flux residue and the need for its subsequent removal. Consequently, for reasons of higher brazing speeds and the avoidance of corrosive fluxes, GMA-brazing has been adopted by many car manufacturers. Whilst offering the aforementioned advantages, this process, however, causes other problems. These include a rapid freezing rate which tends to cause microporosity, spatter adhesion t.o zinc panels with resultant localized damage to the panels and humped braze beads requiring excessive dressing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a new brazing method by which a braze seam of cosmetic appearance may be obtained. Moreover, the brazing method should permit a high brazing speed.
This object is obtained by means of the method defined in claim 1.
By supplying a first gas comprising a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component, it is possible to reduce the number of spatter particles in the area of the braze seam. Moreover, the addition of an active component improves the wetting, resulting in a braze seam having a smooth and uniform shape and demonstrating a low microporosity.
Consequently, the braze seam produced requires a minimum of finishing work, and such work required may be performed by means
Conventional brazing practice in these situations is to use either gas or GMA-brazing techniques. Gas brazing is comparatively stow due to the low temperature of the gas flame. As a consequence of slow brazing speeds, heat input to the joint area is high with a distinct propensity for joint and panel distortion. Furthermore, to activate joint metal and achieve good wetting of the base metal, an aggressive flux is necessary. Moreover, gas brazing causes problems due to the corrosive flux residue and the need for its subsequent removal. Consequently, for reasons of higher brazing speeds and the avoidance of corrosive fluxes, GMA-brazing has been adopted by many car manufacturers. Whilst offering the aforementioned advantages, this process, however, causes other problems. These include a rapid freezing rate which tends to cause microporosity, spatter adhesion t.o zinc panels with resultant localized damage to the panels and humped braze beads requiring excessive dressing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a new brazing method by which a braze seam of cosmetic appearance may be obtained. Moreover, the brazing method should permit a high brazing speed.
This object is obtained by means of the method defined in claim 1.
By supplying a first gas comprising a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component, it is possible to reduce the number of spatter particles in the area of the braze seam. Moreover, the addition of an active component improves the wetting, resulting in a braze seam having a smooth and uniform shape and demonstrating a low microporosity.
Consequently, the braze seam produced requires a minimum of finishing work, and such work required may be performed by means
3 of soft methods, such as fine grinding, polishing etc. A good wetting also enables a high deposition rate and thus a high productivity.
Furthermore, due to the relatively low temperature, in comparison with MIG-welding, the brazing process will not negatively affect the material of the work piece. A thin surface layer will be maintained.
The object is also obtained by the method defined in claim 4. In a corresponding manner, by supplying a shielding gas comprising a principal inert component including at feast argon and in a minor amount an active component, wetting properties may be improved and the amount of spatter reduced.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, said principal inert component includes a gas mixture of argon and helium. By adding helium the heat transfer is improved, resulting in a higher brazing speed. Preferably, said gas mixture comprises 30 to 90% by volume of helium and 10 to 70% by volume of argon. According to a further example said gas mixture may comprise 55 to 65% by volume of helium and 35 to 45% by volume of argon.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, said active component includes at least one gas having an oxidizing effect. Such an active component stabilizes the arc, which is an important precondition for a uniform braze seam having a smooth and cosmetic appearance. Thereby, said active component may include at least one of NO) C02, CO, O2, N20, H2 and N2. Moreover, the concentration of said active component may at most be 1 % by volume, preferably 0.001 % by volume to 0.5% by volume. In the case that the active component includes NO, the concentration of NO may be 0.001 % by volume to 0.05% by volume.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, said braze material comprises as the principal component Cu and a minor amount of AI, Si, Sn or mixtures thereof.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the work piece comprises at least two parts to be joined together by the
Furthermore, due to the relatively low temperature, in comparison with MIG-welding, the brazing process will not negatively affect the material of the work piece. A thin surface layer will be maintained.
The object is also obtained by the method defined in claim 4. In a corresponding manner, by supplying a shielding gas comprising a principal inert component including at feast argon and in a minor amount an active component, wetting properties may be improved and the amount of spatter reduced.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, said principal inert component includes a gas mixture of argon and helium. By adding helium the heat transfer is improved, resulting in a higher brazing speed. Preferably, said gas mixture comprises 30 to 90% by volume of helium and 10 to 70% by volume of argon. According to a further example said gas mixture may comprise 55 to 65% by volume of helium and 35 to 45% by volume of argon.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, said active component includes at least one gas having an oxidizing effect. Such an active component stabilizes the arc, which is an important precondition for a uniform braze seam having a smooth and cosmetic appearance. Thereby, said active component may include at least one of NO) C02, CO, O2, N20, H2 and N2. Moreover, the concentration of said active component may at most be 1 % by volume, preferably 0.001 % by volume to 0.5% by volume. In the case that the active component includes NO, the concentration of NO may be 0.001 % by volume to 0.05% by volume.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, said braze material comprises as the principal component Cu and a minor amount of AI, Si, Sn or mixtures thereof.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the work piece comprises at least two parts to be joined together by the
4 material from the electrode. The work piece may comprise a metal substrate having a thin coating surface layer comprising at least one of the elements zinc and aluminium. Such coating surface layer may comprise a primer containing zinc or aluminium. By means of the inventive method such primer layer need not to be removed before brazing. It is also possible to keep the development of fume and dense fume on a low level, even if such surface layer has not been removed. Moreover, the inventive method reduces the build-up of dirt on the arc-forming device. Alternatively, the thin surface layer may be a metallic layer having a thickness of less than 30 pm, in particular less than 10 pm. The inventive method reduces the zinc toss in the proximity of the braze seam. Due to the low number of spatter particles localized damage to the surface layer of the work pieces may be avoided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be explained in more detail in connection with the description of different embodiments thereof and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig 1 discloses schematically a device according to a first embodiment for carrying out the method of the present invention.
Fig 2 discloses schematically a device according to a second embodiment for carrying out the method of the present invention.
Fig 3 discloses schematically a device according to a third embodiment for carrying out the method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT EMBODIMENTS OF
THE PRESENT INVENTION
Fig 1 discloses a first embodiment of a brazing device comprising a plasma forming device 1 having a non-consumable, tungsten electrode 2 concentrically arranged in a first nozzle channel 3 for a plasma gas. The first nozzle channel 3 is provided with a constricted ...._... . . ._..__.___ ,,~ .~_......_...-. ....._.._._. . .. .. ....... _ ..
..... ..._.
nose portion 4 and is surrounded by a second nozzle channel 5 for a shielding gas. The plasma gas is supplied from a source in the form of a gas container (not disclosed) to the first gas channel 3 to form a gas flow therethrough. In a similar manner, the shielding gas
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be explained in more detail in connection with the description of different embodiments thereof and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig 1 discloses schematically a device according to a first embodiment for carrying out the method of the present invention.
Fig 2 discloses schematically a device according to a second embodiment for carrying out the method of the present invention.
Fig 3 discloses schematically a device according to a third embodiment for carrying out the method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT EMBODIMENTS OF
THE PRESENT INVENTION
Fig 1 discloses a first embodiment of a brazing device comprising a plasma forming device 1 having a non-consumable, tungsten electrode 2 concentrically arranged in a first nozzle channel 3 for a plasma gas. The first nozzle channel 3 is provided with a constricted ...._... . . ._..__.___ ,,~ .~_......_...-. ....._.._._. . .. .. ....... _ ..
..... ..._.
nose portion 4 and is surrounded by a second nozzle channel 5 for a shielding gas. The plasma gas is supplied from a source in the form of a gas container (not disclosed) to the first gas channel 3 to form a gas flow therethrough. In a similar manner, the shielding gas
5 is supplied from a source in the form of a gas container (not disclosed) to the second gas channel 5 to form a gas flow therethrough. The plasma forming device 1 or torch, disclosed in Fig 1, is adapted for the performance of plasma arc brazing. A
voltage is applied by means of a power supply 6 to the plasma forming device 1 across the electrode 2 and a work piece 7 comprising two metal plates to be brazed together. Because of the voltage applied, an arc appears between the electrode 2 and the work piece 7, forming a plasma of the gas flowing through the first nozzle channel 3. The plasma flow is directed towards the work piece plates 7 to be brazed together. Due to the constricted nose portion 4, leaving a relatively small orifice of the first nozzle channel 3, the plasma flow is constricted and squeezed out of the first nozzle channel 3. Thus, the heat is concentrated to a relatively narrow plasma flow. The shielding gas from the second nozzle channel 5 surrounds the plasma flow and a working area 8 around a braze seam 9. Brazing material 10 is supplied to the working area 8 by means of a braze feeder, schematically indicated at 11. As an alternative, braze material may be applied to the work piece in advance.
Fig 2 discloses a second embodiment of a plasma forming device 1 according to the present invention. It should be noted, that elements having a corresponding function have been provided with the same reference signs in all embodiments disclosed. The second embodiment differs from the first one in that the voltage is applied to the plasma forming device 1 over the non-consumable electrode 2 and the wall of the first nozzle channel 3. Consequently an arc is formed between the electrode and the nose portion 4.
It should be noted, that it may be dispensed with the second nozzle channels 5 in the plasma forming devices disclosed in Figs 1 and 2.
Thereby, only the plasma gas is delivered.
I ~ I
WO 98/21000 PCTISE971018b8
voltage is applied by means of a power supply 6 to the plasma forming device 1 across the electrode 2 and a work piece 7 comprising two metal plates to be brazed together. Because of the voltage applied, an arc appears between the electrode 2 and the work piece 7, forming a plasma of the gas flowing through the first nozzle channel 3. The plasma flow is directed towards the work piece plates 7 to be brazed together. Due to the constricted nose portion 4, leaving a relatively small orifice of the first nozzle channel 3, the plasma flow is constricted and squeezed out of the first nozzle channel 3. Thus, the heat is concentrated to a relatively narrow plasma flow. The shielding gas from the second nozzle channel 5 surrounds the plasma flow and a working area 8 around a braze seam 9. Brazing material 10 is supplied to the working area 8 by means of a braze feeder, schematically indicated at 11. As an alternative, braze material may be applied to the work piece in advance.
Fig 2 discloses a second embodiment of a plasma forming device 1 according to the present invention. It should be noted, that elements having a corresponding function have been provided with the same reference signs in all embodiments disclosed. The second embodiment differs from the first one in that the voltage is applied to the plasma forming device 1 over the non-consumable electrode 2 and the wall of the first nozzle channel 3. Consequently an arc is formed between the electrode and the nose portion 4.
It should be noted, that it may be dispensed with the second nozzle channels 5 in the plasma forming devices disclosed in Figs 1 and 2.
Thereby, only the plasma gas is delivered.
I ~ I
WO 98/21000 PCTISE971018b8
6 Fig 3 discloses a third embodiment of a plasma forming device 1 according to the present invention and having merely one nozzle channel 3. In this embodiment, the nose portion 4 is not constricted, resulting in a less concentrated plasma flow and a reduced concentration of the heat to be transferred to the work piece 7. In this embodiment, the gas supplied to the nozzle channel 3 is both plasma gas and shielding gas.
It should be noted that the braze feeder 11 may be arranged as a part of the plasma forming device 1, and thus to feed braze material 10 from the outer periphery of the plasma forming device, through the second nozzle channel 5 or through the first nozzle channel 3.
The performance of the method according to the present invention will now be explained with reference to the brazing devices disclosed in Figs 1 to 3. By means of the power supply 6 an essentially constant arc voltage is provided forming an arc between the electrode 2 and the work piece 7 or between the electrode 2 and the nose portion 4. The arc produces a plasma of the gas flowing through the nozzle channel 3 towards the work piece 7. Braze material 10 is fed into the plasma flow and is successively melted by the heat of the plasma. The braze material melted is then transferred to the work piece 7, thereby forming the braze seam 9 joining the two plates of the work piece 7.
The braze material 10 is in the form of a wire comprising as its principal component Cu, e.g. 80-99%, and a minor amount of aluminium, silicon, tin or mixtures of these elements.
The work piece 7 in the examples disclosed comprises two plates to be brazed together. The plates are relatively thin metal substrate plates, e.g. steel plates having a thickness of less than 4 mm, for example 1, 2 or 3 mm. The substrate plates may be covered by a thin coating surface layer having a thickness of less than 25 pm and in particular of less than about 10 Nm. The coating surface layer may. be a protective thin metallic surface Layer, e.g. a layer of zinc,
It should be noted that the braze feeder 11 may be arranged as a part of the plasma forming device 1, and thus to feed braze material 10 from the outer periphery of the plasma forming device, through the second nozzle channel 5 or through the first nozzle channel 3.
The performance of the method according to the present invention will now be explained with reference to the brazing devices disclosed in Figs 1 to 3. By means of the power supply 6 an essentially constant arc voltage is provided forming an arc between the electrode 2 and the work piece 7 or between the electrode 2 and the nose portion 4. The arc produces a plasma of the gas flowing through the nozzle channel 3 towards the work piece 7. Braze material 10 is fed into the plasma flow and is successively melted by the heat of the plasma. The braze material melted is then transferred to the work piece 7, thereby forming the braze seam 9 joining the two plates of the work piece 7.
The braze material 10 is in the form of a wire comprising as its principal component Cu, e.g. 80-99%, and a minor amount of aluminium, silicon, tin or mixtures of these elements.
The work piece 7 in the examples disclosed comprises two plates to be brazed together. The plates are relatively thin metal substrate plates, e.g. steel plates having a thickness of less than 4 mm, for example 1, 2 or 3 mm. The substrate plates may be covered by a thin coating surface layer having a thickness of less than 25 pm and in particular of less than about 10 Nm. The coating surface layer may. be a protective thin metallic surface Layer, e.g. a layer of zinc,
7 aluminium or a mixture of zinc and aluminium. Such common zinc layers may, for instance, be one or more of a hot dipped galvanised layer, electroplated zinc and galvaneal. The coating surface layer may also be a protective primer containing zinc or aluminium. Such a primer is frequently used to protect the steel plates in car industry during transportation thereof.
The gases supplied through the nozzle channels 3 and 5 comprise a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component. The principal inert component includes a gas mixture having 30 to 90% by volume of helium and 10 to 70% by volume of argon. Preferably, the gas mixture comprises 55 to 65% by volume of helium and 35 to 45% by volume of argon. The active component includes at least one gas having an oxidizing effect, for instance at least one of NO, C02, CO) 02, and N20. The active component may also include at feast one of H2, and N2. Moreover, it should be mentioned that the active component may include mixtures of two or more of these active components. The concentration of the active component is at most about 1 % by volume. Preferably the concentration of the active component is relatively low, for instance from 0.001 % by volume to 0.5% by volume. In the case that the active component comprises NO, the concentration of NO may be from 0.001 % by volume to 0.05% by volume. It should be pointed out, that the gases defined above may be used as shielding gas and plasma gas as well. Thus the gas supplied through both the nozzle channels 3 and 5 may be the same gas. It is also possible to use different gases, i.e. gases having different compositions, as plasma gas and shielding gas, respectively.
The present invention is not limited to the different embodiments disclosed above but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims. The inventive method may be performed together with a wide variety of different brazing devices and certainly not only together with the brazing device described above.
Moreover, the inventive method is suitable for brazing together all metallic materials. Although) it may be applied to join thick metal I ~ I
plates, the invention is particularly advantageous for thin metal plates being less resistant to such high temperatures that exist during conventional MIG-welding. The method according to the present invention is suitable to be performed in a manual, semi s automatic or automatic manner.
The gases supplied through the nozzle channels 3 and 5 comprise a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component. The principal inert component includes a gas mixture having 30 to 90% by volume of helium and 10 to 70% by volume of argon. Preferably, the gas mixture comprises 55 to 65% by volume of helium and 35 to 45% by volume of argon. The active component includes at least one gas having an oxidizing effect, for instance at least one of NO, C02, CO) 02, and N20. The active component may also include at feast one of H2, and N2. Moreover, it should be mentioned that the active component may include mixtures of two or more of these active components. The concentration of the active component is at most about 1 % by volume. Preferably the concentration of the active component is relatively low, for instance from 0.001 % by volume to 0.5% by volume. In the case that the active component comprises NO, the concentration of NO may be from 0.001 % by volume to 0.05% by volume. It should be pointed out, that the gases defined above may be used as shielding gas and plasma gas as well. Thus the gas supplied through both the nozzle channels 3 and 5 may be the same gas. It is also possible to use different gases, i.e. gases having different compositions, as plasma gas and shielding gas, respectively.
The present invention is not limited to the different embodiments disclosed above but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims. The inventive method may be performed together with a wide variety of different brazing devices and certainly not only together with the brazing device described above.
Moreover, the inventive method is suitable for brazing together all metallic materials. Although) it may be applied to join thick metal I ~ I
plates, the invention is particularly advantageous for thin metal plates being less resistant to such high temperatures that exist during conventional MIG-welding. The method according to the present invention is suitable to be performed in a manual, semi s automatic or automatic manner.
Claims (18)
1. A method of brazing with the use of a plasma forming device (1) having a non-consumable electrode (2), comprising the following steps of operation:
- supplying a first gas to said plasma forming device (1);
- forming a plasma flow of said first gas by applying a voltage between said electrode (2) and an electrical terminal (4,7);
- directing said plasma flow towards a work piece (7); and - providing a braze material (10) to be melted by said plasma flow) characterized in that said first gas comprises a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component.
- supplying a first gas to said plasma forming device (1);
- forming a plasma flow of said first gas by applying a voltage between said electrode (2) and an electrical terminal (4,7);
- directing said plasma flow towards a work piece (7); and - providing a braze material (10) to be melted by said plasma flow) characterized in that said first gas comprises a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized by supplying a second gas and thereby shielding said plasma flow from the surrounding atmosphere.
3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that said second gas comprises a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component.
4. A method of brazing with the use of a plasma forming device (1) having a non-consumable electrode (2), comprising the following steps of operation:
- supplying a first gas to said plasma forming device (1);
- forming a plasma flow of said first gas by applying a voltage between said electrode (2) and an electrical terminal (4,7);
- directing said plasma flow towards a work piece (7);
- providing braze material (10) to be melted by said plasma flow;
and - supplying a second gas and thereby shielding said plasma flow from the surrounding atmosphere, characterized in that said second gas comprises a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component.
- supplying a first gas to said plasma forming device (1);
- forming a plasma flow of said first gas by applying a voltage between said electrode (2) and an electrical terminal (4,7);
- directing said plasma flow towards a work piece (7);
- providing braze material (10) to be melted by said plasma flow;
and - supplying a second gas and thereby shielding said plasma flow from the surrounding atmosphere, characterized in that said second gas comprises a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component.
5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said principal inert component includes a gas mixture of argon and helium.
6. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that said gas mixture comprises 30 to 90% by volume of helium and 10 to 70% by volume of argon.
7. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that said gas mixture comprises 55 to 65% by volume of helium and 35 to 45% by volume of argon.
8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said active component includes at least one gas having an oxidizing effect.
9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said active component includes at least one of NO, CO2, CO, O2, N2O, H2, and N2.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the concentration of said active component is at most 1% by volume, preferably from 0.001% by volume to 0.5%
by volume.
by volume.
11. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said active component includes NO and that the concentration of NO is from 0.001% by volume to 0.05% by volume.
12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said braze material (10) comprises as the principal component Cu and a minor amount of Al, Si, Sn or mixtures thereof.
13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the work piece (7) comprises at least two parts to be joined together by the braze material (10).
11 74. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the work piece (7) comprises a metal substrate having a thin coating surface layer comprising at least one of the elements zinc and aluminium.
15. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the thin surface layer is a metallic layer having a thickness of less than 25 µm, in particular less than 10 µm.
16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical terminal is formed by said work piece (7).
17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical terminal is formed by a nozzle portion (4) of said plasma forming device (1).
18. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plasma flow is constricted.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE9604147-0 | 1996-11-13 | ||
SE9604147A SE508596C2 (en) | 1996-11-13 | 1996-11-13 | Method of brazing by plasma |
PCT/SE1997/001868 WO1998021000A1 (en) | 1996-11-13 | 1997-11-07 | Method for plasma brazing |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2271740A1 true CA2271740A1 (en) | 1998-05-22 |
Family
ID=20404590
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002271740A Abandoned CA2271740A1 (en) | 1996-11-13 | 1997-11-07 | Method for plasma brazing |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6198068B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP0944452B1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9713343A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2271740A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69723998D1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2205199T3 (en) |
SE (1) | SE508596C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1998021000A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19952043A1 (en) * | 1999-10-28 | 2001-05-03 | Linde Gas Ag | Process for metal-protective gas soldering of metallic workpieces uses solder material and an electric arc with melting or non-melting electrodes in the presence of a protective gas having an inert component and an active component |
US6550619B2 (en) * | 2000-05-09 | 2003-04-22 | Entergris, Inc. | Shock resistant variable load tolerant wafer shipper |
CA2356512C (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2009-03-10 | Inocon Technologie Ges.M.B.H. | A method for closing and/or joining a connecting joint or joining seam between two pieces of galvanized sheet metal |
DE10062564A1 (en) * | 2000-12-15 | 2002-06-20 | Linde Ag | Shielding gas and arc welding method |
AT411442B (en) * | 2001-02-09 | 2004-01-26 | Fronius Schweissmasch Prod | METHOD FOR SOLDERING WORKPIECES |
US6570127B2 (en) * | 2001-05-03 | 2003-05-27 | Praxair Technology, Inc. | Shielding gas mixture for MIG brazing |
US7040487B2 (en) * | 2001-07-14 | 2006-05-09 | Entegris, Inc. | Protective shipper |
FR2835457B1 (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2004-04-02 | Air Liquide | TERNARY GASEOUS MIX FOR USE IN SOLDERING OF GALVANIZED PARTS |
US6938711B2 (en) * | 2002-11-06 | 2005-09-06 | Mark Chandler Kime | Freestanding self-propelled device for moving objects |
EP1462207A1 (en) * | 2003-03-29 | 2004-09-29 | Grillo-Werke AG | Welding, soldering or brazing method under a protective atmosphere of metallic workpieces using a Zn/Al filler material |
US7032808B2 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2006-04-25 | Outokumu Oyj | Thermal spray application of brazing material for manufacture of heat transfer devices |
FR2863464B1 (en) * | 2003-12-11 | 2006-08-11 | Christian Louis Couronne | SCULTURE FURNITURE METAL / GLASS |
US7467458B2 (en) * | 2004-02-17 | 2008-12-23 | Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V. | Method for use in making a read head |
US20080017696A1 (en) * | 2004-06-04 | 2008-01-24 | Soutec Soudronic Ag | Method For Connecting Joining Parts By Hard-Soldering Or Welding, And An Insert For Use In Carrying Out Said Method |
US8272122B2 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2012-09-25 | Mill Masters, Inc. | Tube mill with in-line braze coating process |
US20050283967A1 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2005-12-29 | Mill Masters, Inc. | Tube mill with in-line braze coating spray process |
US20090039062A1 (en) * | 2007-08-06 | 2009-02-12 | General Electric Company | Torch brazing process and apparatus therefor |
CN103785917B (en) * | 2014-01-03 | 2016-03-02 | 成都天启万峰机电设备有限公司 | A kind of automobile soldering device |
DE102014002213B4 (en) * | 2014-02-21 | 2016-01-14 | MHIW b.v. | Method and burner head for metal inert gas welding |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4081656A (en) * | 1973-07-20 | 1978-03-28 | Yull Brown | Arc-assisted oxy/hydrogen welding |
US4058698A (en) | 1974-04-02 | 1977-11-15 | David Grigorievich Bykhovsky | Method and apparatus for DC reverse polarity plasma-arc working of electrically conductive materials |
JPS52143945A (en) * | 1976-05-25 | 1977-11-30 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Brazing method |
US4921157A (en) * | 1989-03-15 | 1990-05-01 | Microelectronics Center Of North Carolina | Fluxless soldering process |
DE3930646A1 (en) * | 1989-09-13 | 1991-03-28 | Linde Ag | METHOD FOR WELDING COATED, IN PARTICULAR GALVANIZED, THIN PLATE |
US5820939A (en) * | 1997-03-31 | 1998-10-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Inc. | Method of thermally spraying metallic coatings using flux cored wire |
-
1996
- 1996-11-13 SE SE9604147A patent/SE508596C2/en unknown
-
1997
- 1997-11-07 CA CA002271740A patent/CA2271740A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-11-07 ES ES97913593T patent/ES2205199T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-11-07 DE DE69723998T patent/DE69723998D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-11-07 WO PCT/SE1997/001868 patent/WO1998021000A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1997-11-07 US US09/297,995 patent/US6198068B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1997-11-07 BR BR9713343-4A patent/BR9713343A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-11-07 EP EP97913593A patent/EP0944452B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
SE508596C2 (en) | 1998-10-19 |
EP0944452B1 (en) | 2003-08-06 |
WO1998021000A1 (en) | 1998-05-22 |
US6198068B1 (en) | 2001-03-06 |
SE9604147D0 (en) | 1996-11-13 |
EP0944452A1 (en) | 1999-09-29 |
ES2205199T3 (en) | 2004-05-01 |
DE69723998D1 (en) | 2003-09-11 |
SE9604147L (en) | 1998-05-14 |
BR9713343A (en) | 2000-05-09 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
FZDE | Discontinued |